Rayne City Council adopts $22.9 million budget

RAYNE - A $22.9 million operational budget that includes a number of planned infrastructure projects was unanimously adopted by the Rayne City Council here Monday night.
The fiscal year runs from Oct. 1 through Sept. 30, 2020.
Budgeted expenses are about $1.9 million over expected revenues, but officials plan to draw from the city’s $9.6 million fund balance to make up that difference.
In presenting the budget for adoption, Annette Cutrera, city clerk, noted that, of the $20.9 million in projected revenue for fiscal 2019-2020, approximately half — $10 million — will come from the city’s Sanitation and Utility Enterprise Fund.
City taxes and permits are expected to add $2.67 million to the revenue stream.
The city’s General Fund, the primary source of day-to-day operational funding, shows a projected revenue of $4.5 million with expenses expected to reach $5.2 million, resulting in an ending fund balance of $700,000 in that particular fund.
“Even though our expenses are more than our revenues, we still project an excess — or ending balance — of $14 million at the end of the 2019-2020 fiscal year,” Cutrera said.
She pointed out that $1.2 million budgeted in Capital Outlay expenditures “are for the current infrastructure that has outlived its useful life and is in dire need of repair and replacement.
“This planned infrastructure ensures the level of service the citizens deserve and expect,” she added. “As the mayor and council have said numerous times, these are necessities for our citizens and is something that the city can’t wait on.
“Even though we need to upgrade or replace the infrastructure, this administration is keeping an eye on the economy and cash flow so as to stay within the city’s financial means. Financial experts have reviewed the situation and agree that we must address the outdated infrastructure and have the strong financials to be able to obtain grants (or) take out loans while conserving our cash flow for day-to-day operations.”
Mayor Charles “Chuck” Robichaux listed a number of completed and planned projects during the meeting, explaining that “these projects are vital for the infrastructure of our city. If we don’t have running water, sewer and electricity, our community has nothing.”
Robichaux continued, “These projects have been put on the back burner for a number of years now — we can’t wait any longer to get these projects fixed or replaced.
“Things don’t last forever, so they have to be replaced and updated, especially after 65 years of being used. This council’s working to get this done for the good of our community.”
Also during the meeting the council unanimously adopted amendments to the 2018-2019 budget to bring figures to within 5 percent of actual, as mandated by state law.
“This administration began October 1, 2018, on a positive note and it is projected to end September 30, 2019, in a little better position,” Cutrera said. “Every fund began and ended ‘to the good’.”
In other action taken by the council, an ordinance was introduced amending and reenacting (a) the city’s Sexual Harassment Policy and enacting; (b) to incorporate the city’s Ethics Policy.
Due to a number of complaints recently filed by local businesses, the council approved an ordinance to regulate the sale or distribution of food in the city, such as street hamburger sales, etc.
Councilman Kenneth Guidry of District 2 presented the proposal during the summer months, explaining the large number of businesses who recommended the city administration impose a “safe environment for the preparation and distribution of food.”
The sale or distribution of food, except foods allowed under the Cottage Foods Guidelines, in the city is subject to regulations as described by city guidelines approved by the Department of Health. Those guidelines can be attained at City Hall.
“From what I received from the Department of Health,” Robichaux said, “the only places where cooking and distribution are approved are churches, schools, fair and festival sites. Those places can be used for fundraisers and events unless the organization receives consent from the Department of Health.”
Also approved by the council was a street drive requested by Precious Paw Prints Animal Rescue to be held Sept. 28 at the major Rayne intersections.
In addition, a liquor permit was approved for T-Bab’s Drive-In as all essential forms and certifications had be completed by the business owner.
Seven properties were brought before the council by City Inspector Mark Daigle to consider action, including:
• 908 Comeaux - homeowner given 30 days for work assessment to be brought forward at the October meeting;
• 912 Comeaux - homeowner given 30 days for work assessment to be brought forward at the October meeting;
• 804 Chappuis - 90 days for demolition;
• 806 Chappuis - 90 days for demolition;
• 611 South Bradford - 60 days for repairs;
• 934 East Branche - 60 days to clear property; and
• 816 Holt - 60 days to clear property.
During the engineer’s report, Tim Mader presented one action item for the council, the Phase II LDOTD Enhancement Grant Project for the ongoing Adams Avenue Improvements.
The Phase II of the project includes improvements from South First Street to the BNSF railroad tracks, similar to Phase I which included improvements from Edwards to the BNSF railroad tracks.
Mader’s action item, which was approved, includes $400,000 from the DOTD, $100,000 of city funds, totaling a $500,000 project.
“We are paying 20 percent of a half-million dollar project,” noted Robichaux. “Our busiest intersection at Rayne State Bank will be addressed with this project. That’s reason right there for this project to proceed.”
Additional information and projects addressed during the meeting will be published in next week’s edition of The Rayne Acadian-Tribune.